We need to learn quickly to keep up with the massive change around us so we don't get run over. We need to outrun change.
I have a backlog of energy articles. That allows me to group comments together. Today’s focus: the morality of ethanol assessed based on the damage it causes. 12/17/14 – CBS Minnesota – U of M Study Finds Ethanol Worse for Air Quality Than Gasoline – When measured at the tailpipe, ethanol-laden gasoline measures about the same … Continue reading “More on the immorality of ethanol”
A new study funded by the federal government reached the conclusion that ethanol made from residue after corn harvesting releases 7% more greenhouse gases that straight gasoline. The reason for the surprise is that the study considers the ancillary effects of biofuels. For example, when the residual is left on the ground, it improves the … Continue reading “Ethanol makes global warming worse”
Update: Welcome to those arriving from Million Dollar Way. Hope you enjoy the read. There are plenty of other posts here on ethanol, energy in general, and especially peak oil foolishness. (Thanks for the link!) It doesn’t compare to forcing the poor to pay lots more so they barely have enough food to stay alive, but there is … Continue reading “Another unintended consequence of ethanol – loss of wildlife due to loss of habitat”
The EPA has reduced the amount of ethanol that must be used in gasoline. The federal requirement is based on absolute volume of ethanol and not the amount of gasoline sold. Thus, even though gasoline use dropped instead of rising, the amount of ethanol has to increase. This would force us to use E15, which … Continue reading “Reality finally impacting ethanol requirements”
When can we start calling it foolishness to burn corn in our cars? Via Meadia’s post Biofuel Boondoggle Just Won’t Quit begins: Corn-based ethanol starves the world’s poor and increases greenhouse gas emissions Standards set by Congress require a certain amount of ethanol be used. Here’s the required amount this year compared to production and … Continue reading “Ethanol fail”
Just a few of the recent articles providing updates on slice-and-dicers damage in general and status of North Dakota wind farms plants in particular. Wyoming project may get specific permission to kill eagles All wind farms plants get broad permission to kill eagles for 30 years Massive subsidies for wind power, which is intermittent and unreliable, meaning … Continue reading “Update on environmental damage from wind power”
A few more updates on the unintended consequences of alternative, unreliable energy sources. Humans want electricity available the instant we want electricity – the challenge of dispatchable energy An overview of the harm from burning corn in our engines 8/9 – Million Dollar Way – Dispatchable Energy – The Demand is Growing Yet another massive problem … Continue reading “Still more on the downside of alternative, unreliable energy sources”
Several articles on the increasing number of slice-and-dicers in the state. Also, ethanol lobbyists want the feds to force customers to buy more of their food-based power; this is cronyism in action. That customers don’t want to burn more corn in their cars and don’t want the higher prices and don’t want to risk damaging their … Continue reading “More wind power coming on line in North Dakota”
I just learned that Robert Wilson (@CountCarbon) does a huge amount of graphing. (Yeah, yeah, I’m slow to catch up with what’s happening. On the other hand, keeping up with change is the purpose of this blog.) Here are two of his illustrations that shows the utter foolishness of two specific energy policies: ethanol and … Continue reading “Visual illustration of energy foolishness”
City of Williston may likely vote this week to close all man camps within their jurisdiction. Dramatically reducing supply of housing will have the obvious impact of driving up prices. Keep in mind that is a choice of the local government. Heat is what caused two derailments in Montana back in July. Not the oil … Continue reading “Bakken update – Williston considers driving up housing prices. Heat caused 2 derailments in Montana.”
Prof. Mark Perry did a heap of learnin’ on his trip to Williston in May. He wraps up comments at his post, Top ten things I learned on my summer trip to the Bakken oil fields, Part II My comments on part I here. If you are looking for a primer on the oil revolution or … Continue reading “More great things to learn about Bakken – part 2”
Articles on operation of salt water disposal sites, damage from ethanol, drones in the oil patch, and an interview with Chevron’s CEO (including comments on harsh over regulation in California). 5/26 – Journal Publishing – Putting the ‘safe’ in hazardous oil waste – Superb article on salt water disposal (SWD). Waste water from a well, … Continue reading “More good stuff from the open frontier of energy – 6/1”
A few articles on the astoundingly open frontiers of technology and private space exploration. Technology 5/21 – Popular Mechanics – Brain Implant Lets Teraplegic Man drink Beer with a Robot Arm – Although this is a little bity step, consider what a huge leap it is from what could be done before. Sensors attached to a … Continue reading “More good stuff on the open frontiers – 5/29”
A few articles on what’s going on the Bakken oil patch. Williston keeps growing. Rig count falling. Neither a surprise. 3/16 – BakkenShale.com – Population Grows 20% in Williston – Researcher Nancy Hodur of NDSU has done a tally of the total number of people in Williston and Williams County. She started with the census … Continue reading “More good stuff on Bakken – 4/14”